4 Signs It’s Time To Change Your Diet

It’s a new year, and time for a new you. If you’re coming into the new year with hopes of improving your health and wellness, then the first place to look is your kitchen. A 2014 report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the Black community, and a big part of that has to do with what we’re putting in our bodies. You may already be on your wellness journey now, but you may not be getting the results you hoped for. At first it’s easy to fall in love with a new blender, but, like any relationship that need to be left in last year, sometimes things just don’t work out, and that’s ok. Here are four signs it’s time to leave that diet in last year.

4. You’re Bloated

Not only is bloating uncomfortable, it can actually make you look visibly swollen and is often accompanied by unflattering gas from one end or the other. Bloating is a primary sign that your body isn’t digesting food properly. It’s usually caused by simply over eating, so remember to think about serving size when it’s time to grab a bite. Chances are you’re not getting enough fiber or probiotics in your diet, so if you’ve given up dairy or carbs, it’s time to incorporate things like yogurt and whole grains back in. Subbing in healthier alternatives and eating cleaner versions of comfort foods can also be a good idea.

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3. You Have Intense Cravings

Cravings are your body’s way of talking to you, and when it talks, you should probably listen. Often times, when you have a serious craving for something, your body is actually telling you that it’s in need of certain nutrients. For example, if you have a major craving for chocolate, your body may be signaling that you need more magnesium, which can be found in healthy alternatives like raw nuts and fruits. If that’s the case, you might want to evaluate your eating habits to see where some changes can be made. It’s not always a bad thing to have cravings, but it is important to be mindful of what your body is saying about your diet from the inside.

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2. You Have No Energy

A well-rounded diet should have you feeling like the best version of yourself. Not just average, but actually energized. If you don’t feel that way, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough protein, Vitamin B12, or Vitamin D. If you’re waking up still feeling exhausted, even after getting a good night’s sleep, it’s almost always directly linked to your eating habits, whether is be not getting those vitamins and proteins or eating too much fat. There’s also a chance that you could have low blood sugar. If that’s the case, I highly recommend checking with your doctor to see if you may be hypoglycemic, as that’s a battle all its own.

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1. You’re Gaining Weight

This one should be a no-brainer, but here we are. Unless you’re on a fitness plan that has you bulking up or building more muscle mass, an obvious sign that your diet isn’t working is that you’re gaining weight despite your initial plans. Be honest with yourself and evaluate your eating habits when facing this issue. Are you yo-yo dieting? Skipping meals? Sneaking in more cheat meals than you should? These things could backfire and have your body holding onto whatever calories it can get.

There are a lot of healthy diets and you’re likely to find one that you’ll love, but remember that being healthy means more than being thin. Do your research and find a diet that works for you. One diet gaining momentum is the Carnivore Diet. A good source of information on this is The Carnivore Code. This book offers valuable information about the Carnivore Diet in a humorous way that also provides insight on how to eat this way to achieve optimal health. Give your body what it needs and the results will come. Don’t resort to risky means to lose a few pounds — no swimsuit is worth your health.